Detection of Latent Bloodstains Beneath Painted Surfaces Using Reflected Infrared Photography

Title
Detection of Latent Bloodstains Beneath Painted Surfaces Using Reflected Infrared Photography
Publication Date
2012-09
Author(s)
Farrar, Andrew
Porter, Glenn
Renshaw, Adrian
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc
Place of publication
United States of America
DOI
10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02231.x
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/27415
Abstract
Bloodstain evidence is a highly valued form of physical evidence commonly found at scenes involving violent crimes. However, painting over bloodstains will often conceal this type of evidence. There is limited research in the scientific literature that describes methods of detecting painted‐over bloodstains. This project employed a modified digital single‐lens reflex camera to investigate the effectiveness of infrared (IR) photography in detecting latent bloodstain evidence beneath a layer or multiple layers of paint. A qualitative evaluation was completed by comparing images taken of a series of samples using both IR and standard (visible light) photography. Further quantitative image analysis was used to verify the findings. Results from this project indicate that bloodstain evidence can be detected beneath up to six layers of paint using reflected IR; however, the results vary depending on the characteristics of the paint. This technique provides crime scene specialists with a new field method to assist in locating, visualizing, and documenting painted‐over bloodstain evidence.
Link
Citation
Journal of Forensic Sciences, 57(5), p. 1190-1198
ISSN
1556-4029
0022-1198
Pubmed ID
22845038
Start page
1190
End page
1198

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